[AM] Article of Interest in CIO Magazine

Here's a "heads up" regarding an article that might be of interest, regarding 
the manner in "input biases" may affect the decisions we make. Entitled "Bias 
Beware", it appeared in the MARCH 1, 2004 ISSUE OF cio mAGAZINE. It was 
written by Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at the Wharton School of Business at the 
University of Pennsylvania (one of my old stomping grounds). Briefly, it 
describes how decisions are sometimes skewed by what the writer calls "input 
bias", which often leads decision makers to confuse "quantity" with "quality". One 
of the examples cited was concerned with decisions regarding software 
products; here's a short quote: 

"If you're trying to choose between two software packages, it might make 
sense to have both tested by employees who don't know how long took to build or 
how much it cost to develop--the kind of input data that could bias their 
judgment".

I believe the article describes a factor that might play a major role in a 
manager's or client's decision of whether to "play or pass" on agile development 
methoologies. The article gave me a new perspective on what might be going on 
in the minds of those considering an agile approach. Considering what some 
have called the "mushy" principles of Agile Modeling, and the dearth of 
objective evidence of its obvious benefits, this article might be food for thought 
regarding how agile development is described to potential adopters. 

Something to hink about... 

And now, we return to your regular programming...

egards,

Pete

For more information about AM, visit the Agile Modeling Home Page at www.agilemodeling.com
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